Maurice A. Colchin

November 25, 2013

Maurice A. 'Gabby' Colchin, 90, Decatur, passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at Woodcrest Nursing Center.
He was born Sept. 22, 1923, in Adams County to the late Fredrick and Frances (Coffee) Colchin. He married Alberta C. 'Bertie' Adams; she passed away in 2006.
Gabby graduated from Decatur Catholic High School and served as a firefighter for the city of Decatur for 28 years. He serve his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a Special X mechanics mate submarine torpedo specialist.
Gabby was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. J.J. Seimetz Council 864 and also its 4th Degree Assembly 257. He was also a member of American Legion Post 43, Indiana Firefighters Association and the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Association. He was a founding member of the St. Joseph Catholic School Notre Dame Smoker. He was an active contributor to Boys Town.
"Gabby was an avid Notre Dame and Colts Football fan. He loved working in his shop at home and spending time at the lake with family and friends. He also greatly enjoyed the flavor of a good beer."
He is survived by a daughter, Judy Bomka, Decatur; two grandsons, Tim (Sharon) Bombka and Nick (Cathay) Bomka; two granddaughters, Renee Bombka and Shelly Beer, all of Decatur; 11 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; a sister, Lois Sharp, Malwin, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bob Bomka; two brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Woodcrest Porter Auditorium and from 4-8 p.m. at Haggard-Sefton and Hirschy Funeral Home with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 3:30 p.m. K of C 4th Degree Honor Guard will post from 6-8 p.m. A fireman's Memorial Service will be held at 8 p.m.
A Prayer Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Haggard-Sefton and Hirschy Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church with Rev. Father Stephen Colchin presiding.
Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by American Legion Post 43.
Preferred memorials are to ST. Joseph Catholic School Tuition Assistance.
Online condolences may be made at www.hshfuneralhome.com.